Won't let department get saffronised: DK Shivakumar warns top police officers of Karnataka
During a recent high-level meeting, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar expressed strong criticism towards police officers, raising concerns about the potential saffronisation of the police department. He firmly stated that such actions would not be permitted under their government.
DK Shivakumar condemned instances where officers were seen wearing saffron clothes in certain areas, questioning the intent behind this behavior. He emphasized that saffronisation would not be allowed in their government, citing examples of officers wearing saffron clothes in Mangaluru, Bijapur, and Bagalkot. He further urged them to work while respecting the national flag rather than indulging in activities that could be seen as divisive.
The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted the department's involvement in the PSI (Police Sub-Inspector) scam, where an ADGP (Additional Director General of Police) allegedly manipulated an OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) paper, which had adversely affected the department's reputation. He raised concerns about the harassment faced by Priyank Kharge, who had brought the case to light through a press conference.
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Shivakumar stressed the need for significant transformation within the system, starting with the police department. He emphasized that the government should send a message of change to the people and called for officers to focus on working for the betterment of the people and ensuring their well-being.
The Deputy Chief Minister also criticized the past behavior of officers, highlighting instances where false cases were filed against him and Siddaramaiah during their campaigning for the "Pay CM" campaign. He expressed concern over the lack of action against those who had called for violence against Siddaramaiah.
Shivakumar called for a change in attitude among the officers, emphasizing the need for a fresh start and a departure from old mentalities. He stressed the importance of maintaining peace and urged them to work honestly. He assured officers that if they worked with integrity, the government would support them. He urged officers to demonstrate through their work that positive change was occurring under this government, keeping in mind the faith that people have placed in them.
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3 killed in landslide during road widening at Hulikal ghats in K'taka, CM announces ex-gratia
Shivamogga (Karnataka) (PTI): Three labourers were killed and four others injured after a landslide struck a road construction site at Hulikal Ghat in this district, police said on Friday.
The deceased have been identified as Raghavendra (37), Raju (30), and Shabbir (40), all engaged in wall construction work at the site, they said.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a compensation of Rs five lakh each to the families of the deceased.
The incident occurred late Thursday afternoon at a hairpin bend in Hulikal Ghat in Hosanagara taluk, they said.
According to officials, a massive landslide of soil and rocks from the hillside buried the workers.
A total of seven workers were caught in the landslip. Three labourers died on the spot after being trapped under the debris.
Rescue teams managed to pull out four injured workers and shift them to hospitals in nearby areas, including Kundapura and Udupi, for treatment, they said.
The mishap took place during ongoing efforts to build a retaining wall aimed at ensuring the safety of vehicles navigating the ghat section, which is known for its steep curves and landslide-prone terrain.
An SDRF team from Mangaluru reached the place early Friday morning and took up relief work.
Police, fire and emergency personnel rushed to the spot soon after the incident and launched rescue operations.
Authorities said the sudden collapse of loose soil and rocks from the upper slope is suspected to have triggered the landslip.
A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to ascertain whether adequate safety measures were in place at the worksite.
Taking to 'X', CM Siddaramaiah said that regarding the incident, I have spoken with District In-charge Minister Madhu Bangarappa and obtained information.
"I am deeply saddened to hear the news that three workers lost their lives when soil collapsed during the construction of a road barrier at a bend in Hulikal Ghat, in Hosanagara taluk of Shivamogga district. I pray that the souls of the deceased unfortunate workers attain eternal peace, and that their family members find the strength to bear this sorrow," he said.
These breadwinning lives, which were the support of their families, have been lost in this tragedy, and on humanitarian grounds, a compensation of Rs five lakh each will be provided to the families of the deceased workers, the chief minister added.
